SAN FRANCISCO – Klay Thompson exited the team bus, then beamed as he walked back into the Chase Center Tuesday night, greeted by about 400 cheering Warriors employees who lined his way to the Dallas locker room to show their love and appreciation for the former Golden State star.

They wore “Captain Klay” hats, a gift for all fans on a night of celebration remembering Thompson’s 13 years with the franchise, two of those spent injured and four championships he helped win here.

The Warriors invited all their employees to be part of the welcoming committee for Thompson, who joined Dallas in July on a three-year, $50 million contract. Thompson, 34, missed more than 2 1/2 years — the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons — recovering from surgery on his left knee and right Achilles before returning in January 2022.

Thompson tried to downplay the magnitude of the moment, though he’s sure it will be emotional for everyone involved. Golden State planned a “Salute Captain Klay” ceremony before the opener to pay tribute to Thompson’s contributions to the franchise and his tradition of boating across the bay to games.

“This is all the staff. It’s unbelievable,” said Warriors President and COO Brandon Schneider. “What Klay has meant to our organization and to all of us over the last 13 years, the team’s accomplishments, the individual accomplishments, who he is as a person, what he’s done in the community, it’s a special night.”

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